Friday, December 31, 2010

Thankful for... Facials | Halifax, NS

This has been a long week, as you can imagine.  I cry at the drop of a hat - and then feel guilty for it.  Sometimes I sneak into the washroom at work and just let it all out - if you hear weeping from the stall next to you, it's just me :-)

In the midst of all the crying, luck was indeed on my side.  A few weeks ago, I had booked a facial as I had a gift certificate that was about to expire; my requirement for an appointment was that it be after 6pm on any day before the end of the year.  Tuesday, the 28th at 6pm, it is.  I had no idea how important that date would be.  

Over the weekend, I was distracted with Christmas.  By Monday, I was fearing the unknown again and worrying about getting back to work with my mind so distracted.  What oh what could I do to relax?  Ahhhhh the facial! 

Off I went to Chrysalis.  It had been awhile since my last visit, so I filled out the new client form.  Included was a section regarding any medical conditions you may have.  Oh.  There it is.  Cancer.  Check.  Yep, that's me.  Crap.  Then I met with my aesthetician, Wendy.   We discussed my skin care while she went over the form.  "So you have..."  I don't know if she said the word or pointed to the form.  "Yep.  It's new.  Last week.  I've been crying for a week and there's a good chance I'll cry during the session.  Don't be alarmed."

I didn't.  Cry, that is.  I laid back and just relaxed.  I don't think being sick even crossed my mind.  The timing was perfect - if it had been any sooner, it would have been too close to the date of diagnosis and I wouldn't have been able to let go.  Ahhhhhh... Wendy worked her magic.  Almost two hours later, the dimmed lights were turned up and her quiet voice told me it was over.  No rush, take your time getting ready to go.  

It was fantastic, I even hugged her when I left.




...Kare


email:  karenk{at}eastlink.ca

Monday, December 27, 2010

December 22, 2010

It's one of those dates I will remember.  December 22, 2010.  The day of diagnosis.  The day I became a patient.  The day I learned I have breast cancer.

I had had the mammogram in October; the report came back all clear.  Within a few days I felt the lump.  It can't be anything, I just got the report back that said I had a great pair :-)  So I waited a few days, then called my doctor.  An ultrasound and biopsy are up next and still popular word was that it didn't look like anything to worry about. 

Still, I worried.  What if I get sick?  I couldn't say the word, I always referred to it as "being sick."

Then, December 22, 2010.  The doctor's office called and asked me to come in that day.  And bring a friend or family member.   I fell to the floor and didn't hear the rest of the message; I passed the phone to Jason to listen to it and I crawled away, not wanting to hear.  I spent the rest of the day sobbing.  Jason, my aunt and my cousin came to the appointment with me - the four of us squeezed into the teeny examining room with the doctor, while my other cousin was in the waiting room.  The rest asked questions and took notes for me - I zoned out after the doctor said the words.

I have slept a lot since then - sleeping so I can't think about it.  I don't want to think about it, I don't want to know what I'll have to go through.  I think of my Mom, a 24-year survivor; and my friend, Dyane, who's recently gone through treatment and is doing fabulously.  But I'm not as strong as either of them.  They're both amazing women.

I know I have fight in me, I do.  And I know I have to get through this.  Like it or not.  

And I know I have support - I've felt it ever since December 22, 2010.   From prayers and hugs to baking and flowers to "Kare packages" to people just listening to me and offering support.  From friends and family to people I've never met.  I feel it.  And I thrive on it.  It lifts me up.

I write this for me, to remember.  When it's all over with, I want to remember how afraid I was to go through it and to know that I did it, I made it through.

...Kare

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Thankful for... Butter Tarts! | Halifax, NS

These were made with love - for real!  My friend, Dyane, brought these over to cheer me up while I'm spending a few days recovering from a teeny medical procedure.



Yes, they're all gone.  Delish!


...Kare


email:  karenk{at}eastlink.ca

Monday, November 29, 2010

BEMERRY and other things that make me giggle | Halifax, NS

In no specific order...

  • I inadvertently referred to my boyfriend as my husband yesterday - to my boyfriend.  Um, I hope I didn't frighten him! 
  • If I'm distracted, I don't always listen as completely as I should which can make for awkward moments - a coworker stated "Fair warning, I have a cold today," which I heard as, "Fair warning, you look old today."  Ugh!  Not nice!
  • I saw a sign today in the mall that said BEMERRY.  I wondered for a moment what a bemerry was and did I need one.  Oh wait... be merry!!  Ah yes, 'tis the season!  Be merry!  I can do that!

Happy Monday!


...Kare


email:  karenk{at}eastlink.ca

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Things I'm Thankful For...

I've been so busy lately that I haven't had a chance to stop and breathe.  Don't get me wrong, busy is good.  But sometimes life hands you a little reminder to slow down; more on that another time.  I decided it was time to share the little things I'm thankful for, something I can share regularly, the minutia of life that makes living a little easier.

Of course I'm thankful for the big things - my wonderful, dispersed family; the funny, supportive friends; my health and positive test results of loved ones - these things keep me going on a regular basis.   Every once in awhile, though, something out of the blue happens that makes me smile - this is what I aim to share.  Who knows, maybe it'll make you smile, too.  They'll likely be totally not photo related, but that's okay... I'm made up of many things, only of them being my love of photography.

Today I'm thankful for my roommate's mom.  Weird, eh?  I know, I know, but here's the deal... I woke up this morning, overtired and not moving too quickly.  It had snowed last night (it was so pretty!  we stood together by the window looking at it, not speaking, just being content).  In my overtired state this morning, I grumbled about my busy day and how I'd have to start it with the scraping of the car.  As I head for the shower, there's J with his coat on and one hand on the door, on his way out to scrape the car for me.  Yes, his mama raised a good one.

...Kare


email:  karenk{at}eastlink.ca

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Thanksgiving Baking | Halifax, NS Photography

Canadian Thanksgiving - or as we call it, Thanksgiving - was this past weekend and I got to do some baking.


Wait.  Stop laughing!  

You're right... I didn't do any baking.  I got to watch while others did the baking.  You're not surprised, I know.  My idea of baking is calling up my Aunt Brenda and begging her to help me make cookies for Dy's Annual Cookie Party.  Brenda does all the mixing and preparing of the ingredients and then lets me cut the cookie dough and place it on the baking sheet.  At least it helps ensure I don't poison anyone. :-)


Back to this weekend's baking - we celebrated Shelly and Randy's first anniversary with some baking.  This is just a tease of what's to come...










...Kare


email:  karenk{at}eastlink.ca

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Giving Thanks in Halifax, NS

Whew!  It's Thanksgiving Weekend and there are countless things to be thankful for.

I admit, there are times I forget how lucky I am - but I am one of the lucky ones.  I have family and friends around me who love and support me no matter what.  I have a roof over my head and someone I love to share it with me.  

I am blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving; enjoy your weekend; hug someone.





:-)

Kare

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Apple Picking in Wolfville, NS

I didn't actually pick any apples, or even eat any, but I did get to hang out with these fine folks...












...Kare


email:  karenk{at}eastlink.ca

Monday, September 20, 2010

Lawrencetown Beach, Nova Scotia

Life is busy - sometimes you need to stop and take in a sunset...





...Kare


email:  karenk{at}eastlink.ca

Thursday, September 9, 2010

The Kiwi Cafe | Chester, Nova Scotia

I love heading to the South Shore if I get a chance.  It doesn't happen often, but I made it there twice this year.
 It's a nice little village situated on the water and the weather's always warm and sunny... of course, I only go on warm sunny days - I'm sure it snows there, too, but I'll never see it :-)

I'm usually only there a few hours, long enough to wander around, stop into a shop or two, and have a bite to eat.  What's a road trip without food?  I've discovered a favourite place to stop for a bite while I'm there:  The Kiwi Cafe.  It's cozy, to say the least (tables are at a premium), but the staff always have a friendly smile and the food, ahhhh the food... so good.  

Wait.  Let me clarify.  I've found my go-to meal.  The one I've tried that I know will be delicious so I ordered it the next time I was there.  I assume the other items on the menu are equally as good, but for me, I'll stick with the tried and true, the delicious, the Tuscan Chicken Panini.



Jason had the spinach salad.  



He looooooved it.  Then he tried my panini.  Next time he'll get the panini, too.  If you're heading to Chester, stop in for a bite; you won't be disappointed.  Check out their website here.


...Kare


email:  karenk{at}eastlink.ca

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

I love Google searches... | Halifax, NS

... especially Google searches that end up with you here.  On my little blog.  However you arrived, I am happy you're here.  Have a look around, say hello, tell you're friends.  

Come back often - I promise, there will be something new to look at next time you stop in!  Unless you stop in again tomorrow.  But soon, come back soon!


...Kare


email:  karenk{at}eastlink.ca

Friday, August 20, 2010

My mini-break with Mr. Darcy | Halifax, NS

Bridget Jones is in my head, apparently.  She of the "mini-break" with Mr. Darcy.  I, on the other hand, spent a couple of days on the South Shore with my friend, Jason.  A proper post will follow, but here's one shot of one of the quick stops we made to take in the scenery...




...Kare



email:  karenk{at}eastlink.ca

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Karen Kyte, Wedding Photographer | Halifax, Nova Scotia

I kind of like the sound of that.  Wedding Photographer.  Didn't I just say I wasn't a wedding photographer:  http://karesphotojourney.blogspot.com/2010/07/i-am-not-wedding-photographer-halifax.html ?

But now I'm mulling it over.

Saturday was Chris & Kelly's wedding.  What a wonderful day it was!  Full blog post coming soon, for now I tease with just one photo...









...Kare





email:  karenk{at}eastlink.ca

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Kelly & Chris - Their Final Week as Boyfriend and Girlfriend | Halifax, NS Engagement Photography

We're heading in to the home stretch, getting ready for the big day this coming Saturday.  After much planning and lots of parties celebrating Kelly + Chris' upcoming nuptials, the big day is almost upon us.

My friend Mary and I met up with K+C downtown a few weeks ago for their Engagement Session.  Engagement sessions are so important - they help the couple feel comfortable in front of the camera(s), they help the photographer know how to relax the couple, and everyone gets an idea of what kind of photos we're going to make on the Wedding Day.  Yes, it's that important it gets capitalized!

And from the looks of the final result, we are going to make some fabulous shots this weekend.  Fab.U.Lous!

These two are so cute and playful...



Then they got fierce...



Mary grabbed this one of Chris getting cheeky...


Then she grabbed this one of them getting cozy on the boardwalk...


This is one of my favourites:  Kelly and I are friends and I knew she'd be great in front of the camera, but I was worried about Chris.  Would he be comfortable with us and would he trust us enough?  This is the moment I saw it - the comfort, the trust, the ease.  I love it.

But there was more hotness.  My other favourite...

A quick outfit change for the final shot....


I am so looking forward to this day and it is so so close.   The day will be full of love with lots of family and friends to witness the love these two have.  I am so grateful to capture the day.

I hope you're still keeping your fingers crossed for no rain, though!

I hope your week is a good one!


...Kare




email:  karenk{at}eastlink.ca

Sometimes I Get Goofy | Halifax, NS Photography

I recently went out location scouting for an upcoming session.  Since there were only two of us, we took turns being subject and photographer.  After a while, we got punchy.  And goofy.  You only get to see me, since I protect the innocent.  And goofy.






Happy Sunday - Have a good week!


And please, if you can, keep your fingers crossed that we don't have rain this coming Saturday!  It'd be much appreciated.

:-)


...Kare



email:  karenk{at}eastlink.ca

Saturday, July 24, 2010

I am not a wedding photographer... | Halifax, NS

... even though I love capturing people in love.  I enjoy the babies, bellies, and birthdays; and I love engagement sessions and family shoots and all the other things I'm lucky enough to get to do.  

But three weeks from today, I will once again be a wedding photographer.  And I am thrilled and honoured and so excited for the day to come. 

I've been lucky enough to spend a lot of time with my couple (yes, I'm proprietary with my people), their little boy, and their wonderful group of friends this year.  Here's just a glimpse...






In case you haven't seen them on facebook, I'll soon share some of their engagement photos.

Happy Saturday!


...Kare


email:  karenk{at}eastlink.ca

Sunday, July 18, 2010

We Are Family - Today's Fun Family Session | Halifax, NS Family Photography

How much fun was today's family session! 
We started with a little swinging action in the backyard,
headed to the Dingle for some cool summer breezes, and then back home
for some fast-action bikeriding wheelies!




These kids were bubble blowin pros...
Some serious hotness from Mom & Dad...



I hope you guys had as much fun as I did - seriously, work is nice and easy when everyone's as easygoing as you all were.




...Kare

email:  karenk{at}eastlink.ca

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Shoes! | Halifax, NS

I have a thing for feet and shoes, it's true.  Why, I don't know.  I don't own fab shoes myself as I've determined my feet prefer to be comfortable rather than pretty.  But shoes and feet MUST be photographed.  And for sure when you see something as cute as these...




Happy Sunday!




...Kare



email:  karenk{at}eastlink.ca